Will Zalatoris WDs from The CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Field Level Media|published: Tue 30th April, 12:36 2024

Apr 25, 2024; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Will Zalatoris plays his shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. credits: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Will Zalatoris withdrew from The CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Tuesday.

The PGA Tour communications team announced the move but did not divulge a reason for Zalatoris, who is ranked 30th in the world.

Nick Watney will replace the Dallas native at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Jason Day is the defending champion of the event.

Zalatoris, 27, underwent back surgery following the 2023 Masters and was sidelined until January, when he returned and finished 20th out of a 20-man field at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

He has one career PGA Tour victory (2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship) under his belt, although he has runner-up finishes at the 2021 Masters, 2022 PGA Championship and 2022 U.S. Open.

—Field Level Media